Virtual tour of Portland’s Longfellow Gardens reveals hidden gem

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, if you haven’t paid the Longfellow Gardens on Congress Street a visit, you’re missing out on one of Portland’s prettiest, most peaceful hidden gems.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his later years.

Located right in the heart of downtown, the gardens sit behind the historic Wadsworth-Longfellow house which was the family home of Portland’s favorite son, poet and writer Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The garden is open (and free) to the public, but you’ll rarely find more than a handful of people in it at a time. Here is a 16 picture virtual tour to help you get a better idea of what you’re missing.

The front door to the Wadsworth-Longfellow House at 489 Congress Street in Portland, Maine.

To the right of the house is a side gate leading to the gardens behind the house.

Walking around the back of the house, one is reminded of the surrounding cityscape with skyscrapers in the background.

Beautiful flowers of all colors abound as you enter the gardens.

Near the entrance to the gardens is a plaque honoring Pasquale De Sarno, longtime gardener from 1925-1960. The plaque was presented by The Longfellow Garden Club Inc.

On the left side of the gardens is a stone path that leads to the rear of the property.

Shaded benches invite moments of peace amidst the urban surroundings.

A brick path runs through the middle of the gardens parallel to the stone path creating a convenient loop for walking.

A man enjoys a book, calling the gardens “an urban oasis.”

Back on the side of the house, the noises of city life begin to overshadow the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling.

If you find yourself on Congress Street near Monument Square, pop in to the gardens for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Whether you stay for a few minutes or a few hours, you’ll be glad that you did.

About Chris Shorr

Chris is a sixth generation Portlander who loves all things Maine. He has worked with mentally ill and marginalized adults at a Portland non-profit, on a lobster boat in Casco Bay, at several high-end Portland restaurants, and at a local meat packing plant. He also ran for Portland City Council in 2013, wrote a weekly column in the now defunct Portland Daily Sun, and currently writes a weekly column in The Portland Phoenix.

Post navigation

Chris Shorr

Chris is a sixth generation Portlander who loves all things Maine. He has worked with mentally ill and marginalized adults at a Portland non-profit, on a lobster boat in Casco Bay, at several high-end Portland restaurants, and at a local meat packing plant. He also ran for Portland City Council in 2013, wrote a weekly column in the now defunct Portland Daily Sun, and currently writes a weekly column in The Portland Phoenix.